Dubai residents swim 29km in the sea to raise awareness about juvenile arthritis and autism

Dubai residents Maher El-Tabchy and Eric Robertsen have shared a love of endurance swimming for several years.

- Rituraj Borkakoty [e-mail]

Last month, the two friends joined hands for a mission — to swim 29 kilometres from The World Islands to the Dubai shore.

Their goal was not to set any record, but it was the passion they shared for raising money and awareness about autism and juvenile arthritis that brought them together for a battle against the waves.

El-Tabchy, who hails from Lebanon, and Frenchman Robertsen swam nonstop for 10 hours from The World Islands to the shore on March 15.

“It was overwhelming when we reached the shore because sometimes you don’t know how much you can push your body through the pain,” El-Tabchy said.

“Once you finish something like this you realise how strong the mind can be to help you really overcome any physical challenge.”